for the church in 1853. The interiors are spare and elegantly adorned
salon style with artworks by Paul’s brother, Mark and good friend
Michele Wilkie. The only thing you’ll be praying for at the family-
friendly digs nowadays is a top-up.
Smidge Wines, McLaren Vale
Winemaker Matt Wenk has done vintages around the world and
made a name as Chief Winemaker at the Two Hands stable. But it
had always been a dream to open a cellar door on his beloved home
turf with private label Smidge and in January 2019, that dream was
realised. Opening just one weekend a month or by appointment, the
tasting room offers punters the chance to chew the fat with one of
Australia’s most exciting winemaking talents in a fun and intimate
setting. ‘Our approach to tasting is simple ... almost a little old-
school,’ says wife and Smidge Managing Director, Trish. ‘We’re
really just about Matt, as the winemaker, tasting through a range of
wines and discussing why and how they’re made. Talking to people
about the wines and our philosophy, to get their thoughts on not
just what they’re tasting, but learning about their food and wine
experiences, is invaluable.’
Serafino Cellar Door, McLaren Vale
Serafino is a name that needs no introduction. But what the winery
did need, according to CEO Maria Maglieri, was a new cellar door.
‘We wanted to provide a bigger open space for our customers to
sit and experience our wines and gorgeous views, to provide VIP
tastings in a VIP room, and to offer extra space for functions,’ she
explains. She worked on the design with father and Serafino founder
Steve for twelve months, and its completion marked the final piece
of an extensive renovation puzzle, after its resort was also recently
upgraded. ‘There’s open spaces, a gorgeous illuminated marble bar,
and an outdoor deck with a view to amaze and where pizzas will be
served in due course,’ Maria says. Good timing too, with Serafino’s
Restaurant having just been awarded its first chef hat in the Australian
Good Food Guide for 2019. >Top: The winery at Samson Tall sits comfortably next to the historic church that now houses the cellar door. Bottom left: Winemaker Matt Wenk at the newly opened Smidge
Wines cellar door. Bottom right: The newly refurbished cellar door at Serafino provides a space for customers to immerse themselves in the wine-tasting experience while
enjoying the gorgeous views of the grounds.